If you love vibrant, wholesome meals that deliver a burst of flavor and a feast for your senses, then this Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is going to be your new weeknight favorite. These gorgeous bell peppers, loaded with savory quinoa or rice, seasoned ground meat or beans, and fresh Mediterranean ingredients, are perfectly cooked in the air fryer to develop a delightful crispness on the outside while keeping the filling tender and juicy. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy comfort food that feels fresh, colorful, and exciting with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition. From colorful bell peppers to hearty quinoa and savory seasonings, you’ll find every component simple yet essential to crafting these irresistible stuffed peppers.
- Bell peppers (4, any color): Choose vibrant colors for a beautiful presentation and a mild sweetness that complements the filling.
- Cooked quinoa or rice (1 cup): A filling base that provides protein and a satisfying bite—quinoa adds a nutty flavor.
- Ground turkey, beef, or black beans (1 lb): Pick your protein to suit your preference—ground meat for richness or beans for a vegetarian twist.
- Canned diced tomatoes (1 can, drained): Adds juiciness and a subtle tang that brightens the filling’s flavor.
- Oregano (1 tsp): The Mediterranean herb that infuses warmth and earthiness into the mix.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- Cooking spray: Helps crisp the pepper skin in the air fryer without adding extra oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer and Peppers
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, carefully cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove all the seeds and membranes, creating a perfect little vessel for your delicious filling.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Filling
In a medium bowl, combine cooked quinoa or rice with your choice of ground turkey, beef, or black beans. Add the drained diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture packs the Mediterranean flavors that make this recipe so special—herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients all come together here.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Generously fill each hollowed-out bell pepper with the prepared mixture. Don’t be shy—stuffing these peppers full ensures that every bite delivers that perfect balance of crisp pepper and savory filling. Lightly spray the outside of the peppers with cooking spray to encourage a nicely browned exterior in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in your air fryer basket with a little space between them. Cook for about 25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and their skins are slightly crispy. The air fryer works wonders to keep the filling moist while giving the pepper a lovely texture on the outside.
How to Serve Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of crumbled feta cheese just before serving is a game-changer—it brings that salty, creamy kick that
elevates the Mediterranean vibe instantly. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can also sprinkle on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your stuffed peppers with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for brightness or some warm, crusty bread to sop up any tasty juices. Roasted vegetables or a light cucumber and tomato salad work beautifully here to keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve these stuffed peppers on a large platter surrounded by olives, lemon wedges, and extra feta. You can also hollow out mini bell peppers for bite-sized appetizers using the same filling. This Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is wonderfully versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier second meal.
Freezing
These stuffed peppers freeze well! Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prepping or quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat stuffed peppers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes or in the oven until warmed through. This helps maintain the pepper’s texture better than microwaving, which can sometimes make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa or rice?
Absolutely! Couscous, bulgur, or even farro can be great substitutes, each bringing a unique texture and flavor to the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Simply replace the ground meat with black beans or chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian option that’s just as flavorful.
Can I prepare these stuffed peppers without an air fryer?
Definitely. You can bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño to the filling for a kick of spice.
What can I add to make the filling more nutritious?
Adding chopped spinach, olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes boosts the nutritional content and enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is such a delicious, colorful way to bring a wow-factor meal to your table with minimal fuss. I love how it combines wholesome ingredients and bold flavors in a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner!
Print
Air Fryer Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Stuffed bell peppers are a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish prepared in the air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful filling. This recipe offers a healthy and customizable meal option with a protein-packed filling of quinoa or rice mixed with ground meat or beans, seasoned with oregano, and complemented by diced tomatoes. Perfect for a nutritious and colorful family dinner, these peppers bring comfort and wholesome ingredients together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef (or black beans for vegetarian option)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for topping
- Optional: Fresh spinach or olives for added nutrition
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for cooking the stuffed peppers evenly with a crispy finish.
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove all the seeds and membranes, creating hollow shells ready for stuffing.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa or rice, ground turkey or beef (or black beans if vegetarian), drained diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each hollowed bell pepper with the prepared mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling in without causing spillage.
- Prepare for Cooking: Lightly spray the outside of each stuffed pepper with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy skin during air frying.
- Air Fry the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. You may also fold fresh spinach or olives into the filling before cooking for extra flavor and nutrients.
Notes
- Choose colorful bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a higher protein content and added nutrition.
- Incorporate fresh spinach or olives into the filling to boost flavor and nutritional value.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
- This recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarians by using black beans instead of meat.
